UEFA pledges support to end violence and corruption in Greek soccer

·

President of UEFA Aleksander Ceferin says it has agreed to help Greece overhaul its professional leagues to curb violence and corruption.

Ceferin met with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Tuesday and signed a seven-page agreement to provide assistance to the Greek Football Federation.

“UEFA will produce within three months from signing this declaration of intent, a holistic study for the improvement and upgrade of Greek professional football,” the document, seen by The Associated Press, said.

The study, it said, will include “tailor-made proposals” to restructure the league organization, respond to violence and “defamatory statements,” and safeguard the “integrity of the game to combat the threat of match-fixing, corruption, and doping.”

Successive governments have struggled for decades to contain violence surrounding Greece’s game, caught between the powerful influence of club owners and UEFA rules that do not allow direct government interference in the sport.

Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, left, receives a gift from UEFA President Aleskander Ceferin, during their meeting in Athens, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)

The recent introduction of overseas referees for major games and VAR technology has been credited with improving the quality of the league. But the changes have failed to eliminate match-related violence, attacks against referees, and ongoing allegations of corruption.

The prime minister last month warned he was willing to request expulsion of Greece’s teams from European competition and even suspend the league unless major clubs sign up to the reform plan.

“We have taken a decision to clean up Greek football for good and we are very much looking forward to your assistance in this process,” Mitsotakis told Ceferin. “Greeks are very much in love with the sport and, frankly, what we’ve seen doesn’t do justice to the product that we have.”

Ceferin, who was joined in Athens by FIFA vice president Greg Clarke, said he was glad to receive assurances that the government would provide only a supporting role in the reforms.

“We are glad that the government is joining this common effort,” Ceferin said. “I do think that football will solve (the problems) by itself — but with our help.”

Sourced by: Associated Press

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

The Greek passport (for Aussies) debacle: Part One

For quite a while now, I've been hearing complaints from Greek Australians about long delays in obtaining a Greek passport.

Harry Mavrolefteros’ First Education wins ‘Business of the Decade’ at National Awards

First Education, founded by Harry Mavrolefteros, was awarded 'Business of the Decade' at the 2025 Australian Small Business Champion Awards.

Little Legs Foundation sets monopoly World Record in memory of Alegra Vasiliou

The Little Legs Foundation officially set a new Guinness World Record for the most people playing Monopoly in a single venue.

Hellenic Medical Society of Australia’s Careers Day returns to inspire students

The Hellenic Medical Society of Australia invite all year 9-12 students to attend the HMSA ‘Pathways to Success’ Careers Day.

Melbourne man charged for impersonating police officer and assaulting families

Franesko Vamvakaris appeared in Ringwood Magistrates Court on Monday, facing charges of impersonating a police officer and unlawful assault.

You May Also Like

No food or medicine after takeover: Inquest continues into St Basils Fawkner

A Victorian inquest into the COVID-19 outbreak at St Basils Home for the Aged in Fawkner has continued today.

Belgian royals visit Greece and reaffirm strong bilateral relations

The President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou met with King Phillipe and Queen Mathilde of the Belgians as a part of the royal’s...

‘We’re a solid father and son team’: Jim Kambosos on his relationship with George Kambosos Jr

Ahead of George Kambosos Jr's world title fight with Devin Haney, we speak with his father and manager Jim Kambosos on their relationship.